Group Exhibition

William Wambugu, Peter Walala & Michael Wafula - Kenya
William Wambugu

William Wambugu was born in 1983 in Nairobi, where he lives and works.

Wambugu is a young emerging Kenyan artist and has been gaining reputation and experience through his repeated shows in the last three years.

He was trained at the Nairobi Art and Design School and through workshops and extra art lessons, where he forged his truly personal style. He lives through his art instead of just practicing it. He explores his personal world and perceptions, like the kaleidoscope of humankind. Out of each detail he deducts a universal comprehension of the world he is living in.

William is a meticulous observer who talks about the people of Kenya, and more precisely about the objects that surround them. Each object, with its own means, depicts the changes of the fast growing society. He uses black ink on paper, cardboard and sometimes rice paper to trace delicate lines. His exceptional pen brings the viewer to notice incredible details. In his recent works he uses colourful pastel as a background, creating a strong contrast to the black ink.

Like in his latest shows “Anthology of Tools” and “The Walks of Life,” William uses the nostalgic memories of his childhood to express the changes he experiences in the “New Kenya.” He carefully draws each of the items, not to be forgotten by future generations.
The representation is delicate and simple and at the same time it has strength and great creativity.

In a time when attention is focused on the outgoing election, where the inequality of the society is bursting, where some people are scrabbling for power, William’s interiors remain like a still life.

Selected Exhibitions
  • 2013 – International School of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
  • 2012 – Roots Contemporary Gallery, Brussels, Belgium (Seats of Power)
  • 2012 – Le Rustique, Nairobi, Kenya
  • 2011 – Belgian Ambassador’s Residence, Nairobi, Kenya (Anthropology of Tools)
  • 2011 – Roots Space Gallery, Nairobi, Kenya (Walks of Life)
From this Exhibition
Peter Walala
Michael Wafula
Publications & Press
Week of Ws left a mark on world. By Frank Whalley - The East African
Down-to-earth Kenyan art at Red Hill Gallery By Margaretta wa Gacheru - BUSINESS DAILY
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